SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (AP) — Ice-breaking operations were launched in the western Great Lakes, U.S. Coast Guard officials announced Wednesday.

Officials said they have started what they call “Operation Taconite” in Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, as well as northern Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, Green Bay, the Straits of Mackinac and St. Marys River. The effort is in response to expanding ice in commercial ports, according to a news release.